How much better is The Wire? We asked Brian from Prospect to find out

Prospect has just published an essay by screenwriter Peter Jukes, asking why British TV can’t replicate The Wire. It’s a deceptively simple question. The Wire (and associated long-form US TV dramas) have been universally lauded, and the format has been repeated enough times (The Sopranos, Big Love, Mad Men, etc) to think it would be worth someone in Britain having a go. But while we all have a sense that this model works—long plot arcs, interweaving narratives, gradual character development—it’s sometimes tricky to see quite how different the shows are. Which was why we gave Prospect‘s Brian Semple possibly the best job a writer at the magazine has ever had.

You need to be a subscriber to read the full article.
Either SUBSCRIBE NOW or LOGIN to gain access

Comments

Anna

r4 dsi

November 3, 2009 at 08:04

I'm always thrilled to see actors from The Wire in other things. Hell, I watched Beverly Hills 90210 because Tristan Wilds was in it! That's devotion. I hope all the wonderful actors from this great show have thriving careers.

Sponsored features

Prospect has established itself as a must-read title with key figures in government, journalism, policy making and business. People turn to Prospect for the ideas and trends behind the headlines and for a contrarian view of topics.